Important question (Colombo)

Hello!

I am currently finishing a Masters degree in Geography at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland and starting my final academic work. The purpose of my work is to extend my knowledge of Sri Lanka , particularly by studying the urban planning of Colombo. I wish to understand how the city is changing, revealing global importance. I will focus particulary on the Havelock City projet and I have an important question : what there was to this place before the project construction Havelock city? slums?

Thank's you for yours answers!